Foldable bag

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the present invention relate to a bag foldable between a deployed (unfolded) state and a stowed (folded) state. The bag comprises: a plurality of flexible bag walls having a plurality of panels arranged thereon to define one or more sets of hinged panels. Each of the plurality of panels are rigid relative to the bag walls such that adjacent panels are hinged together by hinge portions of the bag walls. Each set of hinged panels includes at least a first row of hinged panels and a second row of hinged panels, the panels on the first row of hinged panels corresponding with the panels on the second row of hinged panels and the first and second rows of hinged panels being hinged together by hinge portions of the bag walls so that: in the stowed state, corresponding ones of the panels on the first and second rows of hinged panels fold together onto one another and, in the deployed state, the panels on the first and second rows of hinged panels unfold apart.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a foldable bag. In particular, aspects of the invention relate to a foldable bag and to a strap for the foldable bag.

BACKGROUND

Today there are many types of handbags, shopping bags, tote bags and the like. Traditionally, shopping bags are low-cost, disposable items that are made available to shoppers at the point of purchase to carry their purchased goods elsewhere, for example to a place of residence or a vehicle.

However, disposable shopping bags are typically made from thin sheets of plastic materials that are non-biodegradable. The mass consumption and disposal of plastic shopping bags has contributed to various environmental problems, including significant waste at landfill sites.

Wide-spread awareness of such problems has led to a more recent shift towards disposable bags being phased out in favour of reusable bags that a shopper carries on their person, for example in a handbag, in anticipation of future use.

Reusable shopping bags are typically made from thicker plastic sheets or materials that are strong enough to endure repeated use without breaking, whilst still retaining sufficient flexibility to be scrunched, twisted, wrapped or otherwise flattened for storage in a shopper's vehicle or handbag

However, a reusable shopping bag is typically stored in an untidy or inefficient manner and, once scrunched or otherwise flattened, the elasticity of the material urges the bag towards an outspread state that occupies more space in a shopper's vehicle or handbag.

To date, there is a lack of reusable bags that provide adequate strength for repeated or regular use, whilst allowing convenient transportation in a compact and organised manner.

It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a foldable bag and a strap for a foldable bag.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a bag foldable between a deployed (unfolded) state and a stowed (folded) state. The bag comprises:

-   -   a plurality of flexible bag walls having a plurality of panels         arranged thereon to define one or more sets of hinged panels,         wherein each of the plurality of panels are rigid relative to         the bag walls such that adjacent panels are hinged together by         hinge portions of the bag walls; wherein each set of hinged         panels includes at least a first row of hinged panels and a         second row of hinged panels, the panels on the first row of         hinged panels corresponding to the panels on the second row of         hinged panels and the first and second rows of hinged panels         being hinged together by hinge portions of the bag walls so         that: in the stowed state, corresponding ones of the panels on         the first and second rows of hinged panels fold together (onto         one another) and, in the deployed state, the panels on the first         and second rows of hinged panels unfold apart.

It will be appreciated that a row of hinged panels includes two or more adjacent panels that are hinged together by a hinged portion of an associated bag wall.

By ‘the panels on the first row of hinged panels corresponding to the panels on the second row of hinged panels’ it is intended to mean that the adjacent rows of hinged panels are substantially matching. Namely, the adjacent rows of hinged panels may be approximately symmetric to one another except for minor variations in the size of the panels and/or the size of the gaps between adjacent panels. The sizes of the panels and the sizes of the gaps between adjacent panels may vary between adjacent rows of hinged panels to ensure that, in the stowed state, each panel folds towards, and parallel to, the adjacent corresponding panel. For example, when folded, different sections of the bag will result in some thicker regions where multiple panels are folded onto one another, compared to some other regions which are thinner. Therefore, it is necessary for some of the gaps to have a different, greater thickness than others of the gaps.

For this purpose, the size of the gaps may be determined based on a total thickness (of the bag walls and the panels) between the portions of bag wall upon which the adjacent panels are arranged when the bag is folded. It follows that the gaps between the adjacent panels in the first row of hinged panels in one set may differ from the gaps between the adjacent panels in the second row of hinged panels in the same set to account for different thicknesses between the respective portions of bag wall in the folded state.

It should be appreciated that by ‘onto one another’ it is intended to mean that corresponding ones of the panels on the first and second rows of hinged panels may fold parallel to, adjacent to, or in contact with, one another in the stowed state.

In this manner, the invention provides a bag that includes a plurality of relatively rigid panels arranged on relatively flexible bag walls to define flexible hinge portions between adjacent panels that ensure that the bag is foldable in a repeatable manner into a neat, space saving, form, which may resemble a purse. The bag can also be folded and unfolded multiple times, using the flexible hinges, and the bag may be worn as a shopper in the deployed state.

It should be appreciated that, in different embodiments of the invention, the bag and the panels may be of different sizes.

Optionally, the first and second rows of hinged panels may be substantially symmetric to one another.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a bag foldable between a deployed (unfolded) state and a stowed (folded) state, the bag comprising: a plurality of flexible bag walls; and a plurality of panels arranged on the bag walls; wherein each of the plurality of panels is rigid relative to an associated bag wall upon which the panel is arranged so that: adjacent panels are hinged together by hinge portions of the associated bag walls; in the deployed state, the adjacent panels unfold apart so that the bag defines a box-like shape, having a height and a length; and, in the stowed state, the adjacent panels fold together to reduce the height and/or length of the bag.

Optionally, the plurality of panels are arranged on the bag walls to include one or more sets of hinged panels; wherein each set of hinged panels includes a first row of hinged panels and a second row of hinged panels, the first and second rows of hinged panels being hinged together and corresponding to one another; and wherein, in the stowed state, corresponding ones of the panels on the first and second rows of hinged panels fold together (onto one another) and, in the deployed state, the first and second rows of hinged panels unfold apart.

Optionally, the plurality of panels are weighted and configured to bias the bag towards the stowed state.

Optionally, the plurality of flexible bag walls, includes a base wall; a first sidewall; a second sidewall; a first end wall; and a second end wall.

Optionally, the plurality of panels include one or more base wall panels. Optionally, in the stowed state, the base wall panels fold together to reduce the length of the bag.

Optionally, the one or more base wall panels includes a group of rectangular base wall panels arranged in series on the base wall. The rectangular base wall panels may be hinged together by hinge portions of the base wall. The hinged portions of the base wall may be disposed in respective gaps between the adjacent rectangular base wall panels.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a bag foldable between a deployed (unfolded) state and a stowed (folded) state, the bag comprising: a plurality of flexible bag walls, including: a base wall; a first sidewall; a second sidewall; a first end wall; and a second end wall; and a plurality of panels arranged on the plurality of bag walls, wherein adjacent panels are hinged together and the plurality of panels includes one or more sets of hinged panels; wherein each set of hinged panels includes at least a first row of hinged panels and a second row of hinged panels; wherein each of the first and second rows of hinged panels includes: first and second groups of sidewall panels, each group of sidewall panels being arranged on one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall of the bag, wherein each group of sidewall panels includes one or more rectangular panels; and first and second groups of end wall panels, each group of end wall panels being arranged on one of the first end wall and the second end wall of the bag, each group of end wall panels including first and second right-angled triangular panels, wherein the first right-angled triangular panel is arranged with one leg adjacent to the first sidewall and the second right-angled triangular panel is arranged with one leg adjacent to the second sidewall; and wherein, in each set of hinged panels, the first and second rows of hinged panels are hinged together and the panels on the first row of hinged panels correspond to the panels on the second row of hinged panels so that: in the stowed state, corresponding ones of the panels on the first and second rows of hinged panels fold together (onto one another); and, in the deployed state, the panels on the first and second rows of hinged panels unfold apart.

Optionally, in the deployed state, the base wall is substantially rectangular and the first and second sidewalls of the bag extend from opposing sides of the base wall and the first and second end walls extend from opposing ends of the base wall to define an opening opposite the base wall.

Optionally, the plurality of panels are rigid relative to the bag walls such that adjacent panels are hinged together by hinge portions of the bag walls. Optionally, the hinge portions are formed in the gaps between the adjacent.

Optionally, the plurality of panels are attached to the bag walls. Optionally, the plurality of panels are integrally formed with the bag walls. Optionally, the plurality of panels are formed by relatively thick regions of the bag walls.

Optionally, in the stowed state, corresponding ones of the panels on the first and second rows of hinged panels fold together and parallel to one another.

Optionally, the first and second rows of hinged panels in each set of hinged panels are hinged together by a group of hinges or hinge portions arranged on a common plane. Optionally, each of the panels in the first row of hinged panels corresponds to a panel in the second row of hinged panels and the corresponding ones of the panels on the first and second rows of hinged panels may be substantially symmetric about the common plane.

Optionally, the bag includes a plurality of sets of hinged panels. Optionally, the sets of hinged panels are substantially identical to one another. Optionally, the sets of hinged panels are arranged in rows that are hinged together.

Optionally, each group of sidewall panels includes a plurality of rectangular panels. Optionally, adjacent rectangular panels in each group of sidewall panels are hinged together by hinge portions of the sidewalls, the hinged portions of the sidewalls being disposed in gaps between the adjacent rectangular panels. Optionally, the gaps between the adjacent rectangular panels are large enough to ensure that the adjacent rectangular panels in each group of sidewall panels are able to fold together (and parallel to one another) in the folded state. Optionally this may mean that some of the gaps are required to be larger than others of the gaps, depending on how many panels are required to be accommodated within the gap when the bag is folded. For example, the gaps between the adjacent rectangular panels in each group of sidewall panels may alternate between being relatively small and relatively large to ensure that the adjacent rectangular panels are able to fold parallel to one another in the stowed state.

Optionally, each rectangular panel is substantially square shaped.

Optionally, each right-angled triangular panel is hinged along its hypotenuse to an adjacent portion of the end wall upon which the right-angled triangular panel is arranged.

Optionally, each group of end wall panels further includes an intermediate triangular panel. Optionally, the first right-angled triangular panel is hinged to the intermediate triangular panel along the hypotenuse of the first right-angled triangular panel and the second right-angled triangular panel is hinged to the intermediate triangular panel along the hypotenuse of the second right-angled triangular panel. Optionally, the first right-angled triangular panel and the intermediate triangular panel are hinged together by a first hinge portion of the end wall, the first hinge portion of the end wall being disposed in a gap between the first right-angled triangular panel and the intermediate triangular panel. Optionally, the second right-angled triangular panel and the intermediate triangular panel are hinged together by a second hinge portion of the end wall, the second hinge portion of the end wall being disposed in a gap between the second right-angled triangular panel and the intermediate triangular panel. Optionally, the first and second hinge portions of the end wall are arranged such that, in the stowed state, the first and second right-angled triangular panels fold towards (and parallel to) the intermediate triangular panel. Optionally, the gap between the first right-angled triangular panel and the intermediate triangular panel and the gap between the second right-angled triangular panel and the intermediate triangular panel are large enough to ensure that the first and second right-angled triangular panels are able to fold parallel to the intermediate triangular panel in the folded state. Optionally, the gap between the first right-angled triangular panel and the intermediate triangular panel is twice the length of one of the gaps between the adjacent rectangular panels in the group of sidewall panels. Optionally, the gap between the second right-angled triangular panel and the intermediate triangular panel is twice the length of one of the gaps between the adjacent rectangular panels in the group of sidewall panels. Optionally, the intermediate triangular panel is shaped like an isosceles triangle. Optionally, the intermediate triangular panel is split into first and second intermediate right-angled triangular panels, the first and second intermediate right-angled triangular panels being adjacent to one another and hinged together. The first and second intermediate right-angled triangular panels may, for example, be symmetric to one another about the hinged connection.

Optionally, the plurality of panels includes a group of rectangular base panels arranged on the base wall. Optionally, the rectangular base wall panels are hinged together by hinge portions of the base wall, the hinged portions of the base wall being disposed in gaps between the adjacent rectangular base wall panels. Optionally, the gaps between the adjacent rectangular base wall panels are large enough to ensure that the adjacent rectangular base wall panels are able to fold parallel to one another in the folded state.

Optionally, in the stowed state, an adjacent pair of the plurality of panels fold together to form a pocket or cavity (between the folded bag walls) for retaining personal effects. For example, such personal effects may include a phone, a wallet or a purse.

In this manner, the bag provides a storage space for (small) items, such as a mobile phone, when the bag is folded into the stowed state.

In an example, the size of the gap between one or more of the adjacent rectangular panels in each group of sidewall panels, and/or the size of the gap between one or more of the adjacent rectangular base wall panels, is configured to form the pocket when the bag is folded into the stowed state.

By this expression it is intended to mean that the gap between at least one pair of adjacent rectangular panels on each sidewall is large enough so that when those adjacent rectangular panels fold together in the stowed state, the hinged portion of the bag wall in that gap is large enough to accommodate a pocket of space between folded portions of the bag. This pocket of space may be suitable for retaining a mobile phone, for example.

A similar gap may be featured additionally, or alternatively, between at least one pair of adjacent rectangular base wall panels. The pair of adjacent rectangular base wall panels and the pair of adjacent rectangular panels may correspond to one another, for example with the respective gaps between said adjacent panels being arranged on a common plane.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is a provided an elongate strap for a bag that is foldable between a deployed (unfolded) state and a stowed (folded) state. The strap includes: a first retaining element and a complementary second retaining element, the first retaining element being coupleable to the second retaining element; wherein the first and second retaining elements are separated by a length of the strap corresponding to one or more loops of the strap around the bag in the stowed state; and wherein the strap is configured to secure the bag in the stowed state by looping the strap around the bag, one or more times, and coupling the first and second retaining elements together.

Optionally the strap forms a carry handle (e.g. for the arm, hand or shoulder) of the bag when the bag is in the deployed state.

The strap is configured to secure the bag in the stowed state and, by looping the strap around the bag, the strap may effectively retain an item, such as a mobile phone, in the pocket. For example, the looped strap may urge the folded bag walls together effectively clamping the item in the pocket and retaining it in the folded bag pocket securely.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a foldable bag, shown in a deployed state, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows an end view of the foldable bag shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the foldable bag shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the foldable bag shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a detail view of a strap of the foldable bag shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows an end view of the foldable bag, shown in FIG. 1, in a first intermediate (or partially folded) state of folding;

FIG. 7 shows a side view of the foldable bag shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the foldable bag shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the foldable bag, shown in FIG. 1, in a second intermediate (or partially folded) state of folding;

FIG. 10 shows a side view of the foldable bag shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 shows an end view of the foldable bag shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 shows a plan view of the foldable bag shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the foldable bag, shown in FIG. 1, in a third intermediate (or partially folded) state of folding;

FIG. 14 shows a side view of the foldable bag shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 shows an end view of the foldable bag shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 shows a plan view of the foldable bag shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 shows a side view of the foldable bag, shown in FIG. 1, in a stowed state;

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of the foldable bag shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 shows an end view of the foldable bag shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 shows a plan view of the foldable bag shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 21 shows a side view of the foldable bag, shown in FIG. 17, secured in the stowed state by the strap;

FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of the foldable bag shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 shows an end view of the foldable bag shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 shows a plan view of the foldable bag shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 25 shows an end view of another example foldable bag, shown in a stowed state, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 26 shows a side view of the foldable bag, shown in FIG. 25, in an intermediate state between the stowed state and the deployed state;

FIG. 27 shows a side view of the foldable bag, shown in FIG. 25, in the deployed state; and

FIG. 28 shows an end view of the foldable bag, shown in FIG. 25, in the deployed state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a foldable bag. In particular, a foldable bag that includes a plurality of hinged panels arranged into sets comprising first and second corresponding rows of hinged panels configured to allow the bag to fold between a deployed state and a stowed state. In the deployed state, the foldable bag has a substantially box-like shape having: a width; a length; and a height; and may, for example, resemble a laminated shopping bag. In the stowed state, adjacent panels in the sets of hinged panels fold together in a concertina manner to reduce the height of the bag, flattening the bag. Once flattened, the hinged panels may further allow ends of the flattened bag to fold together to reduce the length and/or width of the bag such that the folded bag may, for example, resemble a wallet or purse in the stowed state. Thereafter, a strap of the bag may be wrapped, or looped, around the folded bag and held by retaining means to secure the bag in the stowed state.

One benefit of the bag is that it can provide a stylish and practical bag when unfolded, but yet can be collapsed repeatedly into a neat folded state, in which it can be conveniently carried in another bag for future use. The bag is durable for repeated use and avoids the wasteful need for multiple disposable bags to be used for shopping trips, and also replaces the need for less stylish scrunch-type bags.

The many advantages and benefits of the foldable bag of the invention will become apparent from the following description.

A foldable bag 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is described herein with reference to the accompanying FIGS. 1 to 24 and includes a plurality of flexible container or bag walls 2 and a strap 3. The bag 1 is foldable between a deployed state, in which the bag walls 2 unfold to produce a box-like shape, shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, and a stowed state in which the bag walls 2 fold together in a concertina manner, as shown in FIGS. 21 to 24, to shrink the size of the bag 1 for convenient stowage. The strap 3 may be wrapped, or looped, around the folded bag walls 2 to secure the bag 1 in the stowed state.

For the purpose of the following description it will be appreciated that references to above, below, upper, lower, upward, downward, above and below, for example, are not intended to be limiting and relate only to the orientation of the bag 1 as shown in the illustrations.

In FIGS. 1 to 4, the bag 1 is shown in the deployed state, in which the bag 1 has: i) a width extending between first and second sides 4, 6 of the bag 1; ii) a length extending between first and second ends 8, 10 of the bag 1; iii) a height extending between upper and lower ends 12, 14 of the bag 1; and iv) a substantially rectangular opening 16 defined at the upper end 12 of the bag 1. In the deployed state, the opening 16 provides access to an interior volume of the bag 1 for receiving items such as shopping goods.

Considered in more detail, the bag walls 2 include a base wall 18, a first sidewall 20, a second sidewall 22, a first end wall 24 and a second end wall 26 that define the box-like shape in the deployed state. Each bag wall 2 may be made from a flexible material such as, but not limited to, silicone, leather, cardboard, bio-degradable materials, plastics or fabric, such as recycled nylon, cotton, wool, or linen. In an example of the invention, the bag walls 2 may, for example, have sufficient rigidity in the deployed state to maintain the box-like shape. In another example of the invention, in use, the strap 3 may be grasped to urge the bag walls 2 into the deployed state and, upon releasing the strap 3, the bag 1 may be biased so as to fold into the stowed state.

In embodiments of the invention, one or more of the above-mentioned bag walls 2 may include an inner wall arranged to face the interior volume of the bag 1 and an outer wall arranged to provide an exterior surface of the bag 1. For example, each of the base wall 18, the first sidewall 20, the second sidewall 20, the first end wall 24 and the second end wall 26 may comprise an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall may be made from a fabric material, for example to provide a soft, or cushioned, interior lining. The outer wall may be made from a robust, water-proof and/or weather-proof material.

The base wall 18 is formed at the lower end 14 of the bag 1. The first and second sidewalls 20, 22 extend upwardly, from the base wall 18 to the opening 16, and extend along the first and second sides 10, 12 of the bag 1 respectively. The first and second end walls 24, 26 extend upwardly, from the base wall 18 to the opening 16, and span the width of the bag 1 such that: the first end wall 24 extends between the first and second sidewalls 20, 22 at the first end 8 of the bag 1; and the second end wall 26 extends between the first and second sidewalls 20, 22 at the second end 10 of the bag 1.

The bag 1 further includes means for folding the bag 1 between the deployed state and a stowed state. In particular, the means for folding the bag 1 between the deployed state and the stowed state include a plurality of panels 28 that are hinged together to selectively fold or unfold the bag walls 2 in a particular, or predetermined, manner.

Each panel 28 comprises a region of increased rigidity relative to the surrounding bag wall 2. Accordingly, each panel 28 may be attached to, incorporated in, or otherwise integral with, an associated bag walls 2. For example, each panel 28 may be formed from a relatively thick region of the bag wall 2 or each panel 28 may be a separate element attached to the bag wall 2 or embedded therein. For example, the bag 1 may be formed by a 3D printing method or injection moulding method and the panels 28 may be integral with the bag walls 2 and formed by thicker regions of the 3D printed or injection moulded material, which may be silicone, for example. In another example, each panel 28 may be attached to the bag walls 2 by an adhesive, or otherwise joined or fastened thereto, for example by stitching. In a further example, each panel 28 may be arranged between inner and outer walls of a particular bag wall 2 and the inner and outer walls may be joined together by, or around the edges of, the intermediate panel 28.

Each panel 28 may, for example, comprise one or more of the following materials: polyethylene terephthalate; silicone; leather; cardboard; bio-degradable materials; plastics; metals; or fabric, such as recycled nylon, cotton, wool, or linen. Accordingly, the panels 28 may also be denser than the surrounding bag walls 2. The weight of the panels 28 may bias the bag 1 towards the stowed state.

Each hinge may be defined between adjacent edges of adjacent panels 28 and each hinge may allow adjacent panels 28 to fold together or apart. Each hinge may, for example, be formed from a relatively flexible hinge portion of bag wall 2 disposed in a gap between adjacent panels 28, allowing one panel 28 to pivot relative to the adjacent panel 28. The size of the gap may be varied in dependence on the relative flexibility of the bag wall 2. For example, where the bag wall 2 is made from a relatively stiff material, the size of the gap between adjacent panels 28 may be increased to provide an adequate range of motion and vice versa. Furthermore, the gap between adjacent panels 28 may have a minimum size to ensure that the adjacent panels 28 are able to fold parallel to one another in the folded state, for example, allowing for the bulk of material between the adjacent panels 28. In other words, the size of the gap between a pair of adjacent panels 28 may be determined based on the distance, or thickness of material, between the respective portions of the bag wall 2 (to which the adjacent panels 28 are attached) when the bag 1 is arranged in the stowed or folded state.

For the purpose of the following description it will be appreciated that references to hinges between panels 28, hinge portions between panels 28, or panels 28 being hinged together, for example, relates to fold lines or flexible regions of bag wall 2 that allow adjacent panels 28 to fold together or apart.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the plurality of panels 28 are arranged in rows of hinged panels and, in this example, the bag 1 includes first, second, third and fourth rows of hinged panels 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, 30 d. Each row of hinged panels 30 a-d extends around the first sidewall 20; the first end wall 24; the second sidewall 22; and the second end wall 26 of the bag 1, i.e. around a perimeter of the bag 1. The rows of hinged panels 30 a-d are arranged in parallel planes to one another and adjacent rows of hinged panels 30 a-d are hinged together. For example, adjacent rows of hinged panels 30 a-d may be hinged together by a group of hinge portions arranged on a common plane between the adjacent rows.

Each row of hinged panels 30 a-d includes first and second groups of sidewall panels 32, 34 and first and second groups of end wall panels 36, 38. One of the first and second groups of sidewall panels 32, 34 is arranged on the first sidewall 20 and the other of the first and second groups of sidewall panels 32, 34 is arranged on the second sidewall 22.

The first and second groups of sidewall panels 32, 34 may be substantially identical to one another. For example, in FIGS. 1 to 4, the first group of sidewall panels 32, on each row of hinged panels 30 a-d, is arranged on the first sidewall 20 and the second group of sidewall panels 34, on each row of hinged panels 30 a-d, is arranged on the second sidewall 22 and effectively mirrors the first group of sidewall panels 32.

The first and second groups of sidewall panels 32, 34 each include one or more rectangular panels 28 and, in this example, each group of sidewall panels 32, 34 includes a first, a second, a third and a fourth rectangular panel 40 a-d. In other examples, there may be more or less than four rectangular panels arranged in each group of sidewall panels 32, 34.

Each rectangular panel 40 a-d has a height defined by a first side 42 of the rectangular panel 40 a-d and a length defined by a second side 44 of the rectangular panel 40 a-d. The first side 42 extends along the height of the bag 1 in the deployed state and the second side 44 extends along the length of the bag 1 in the deployed state. In this example, each of the first, second, third and fourth rectangular panels 40 a-d have the same height, but the lengths of the first, second, third and fourth rectangular panels 40 a-d may differ to allow for differently sized gaps between the adjacent rectangular panels 40 a-d.

As alluded to previously, each rectangular panel 40 a-d in each group of sidewall panels 32, 34 is hinged to an adjacent rectangular panel 40 a-d in the group of sidewall panels 32, 34. This allows the adjacent rectangular panels 40 a-d to fold towards each other in the stowed state or to unfold apart in the deployed state. Accordingly, the gaps between the adjacent rectangular panels 40 a-d in each group of sidewall panels 32, 34 may alternate between relatively large gaps and relatively small gaps to ensure that the adjacent rectangular panels 40 a-d are able to fold parallel to one another in the stowed state.

The flexible portions of bag wall 2 in these gaps form the first, second and third hinge lines indicated by the respective lines A1, A2 and A3 in FIGS. 1 to 4.

On each row of hinged panels 30 a-d, one of the first and second groups of end wall panels 36, 38 is arranged on the first end wall 24 and the other of the first and second groups of end wall panels 36, 38 is arranged on the second end wall 26.

The first and second groups of end wall panels 36, 38 may be substantially identical to one another. For example, in FIGS. 1 to 4, the first group of end wall panels 36, on each row of hinged panels 30 a-d, is arranged on the first end wall 24 and the second group of end wall panels 38, on each row of hinged panels 30 a-d, is arranged on the second end wall 26 and effectively mirrors the first group of end wall panels 36.

Each of the first and second groups of end wall panels 36, 38 includes first and second right-angled triangular panels 46, 48. Each of the first and second right-angled triangular panels 46, 48 has a height defined by a first leg 50 and a width defined by a second leg 52. The first leg 50 extends along the height of the bag 1 and the second leg 52 extends along the width of the bag 1.

The height of each right-angled triangular panel 46, 48 may be equal to its width. Furthermore, the height of each right-angled triangular panel 46, 48 may also be substantially equal to the height of each rectangular panel 40 a-d in each group of sidewall panels 32, 34.

The first right-angled triangular panel 46 in each group of end wall panels 36, 38 is arranged with the first leg 50 adjacent to the first sidewall 20 and the second right-angled triangular panel 48 in each group of end wall panels 36, 38 is arranged with the first leg 50 adjacent to the second sidewall 22. Additionally, in each group of end wall panels 36, 38, the second leg 52 of the first right-angled triangular panel 46 is aligned, or substantially aligned, with the second leg 52 of the second right-angled triangular panel 48 such that the first and second right-angled triangular panels 46, 48 effectively mirror one another.

One or more intermediate panels 54, such as the intermediate triangular panel 54 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, may be arranged between the first and second right-angled triangular panels 46, 48 of each group of end wall panels 36, 38. The intermediate triangular panel 54 in each group of end wall panels 36, 38 may be shaped like an isosceles triangle and includes a first side 55 a, a second side 55 b and a third side 55 c. The first and second sides 55 a, 55 b of the intermediate triangular panel 54 are substantially equal in length. The first side 55 a of the intermediate triangular panel 54 is adjacent to the first right-angled triangular panel 46 and the second side 55 b of the intermediate triangular panel 54 is adjacent to the second right-angled triangular panel 48. The third side 55 c of the intermediate triangular panel 54 is longer than the first and second sides 55 a, 55 b and may have a length that is approximately twice as long as the height of one of the rectangular panels 40 a-d in the same row of hinged panels 30 a-d.

Each of the first and second right-angled triangular panels 46, 48 are hinged to the intermediate panel 54, which forms a first hinge B1 extending along the hypotenuse of the first right-angled triangular panel 46 and a second hinge B2 extending along the hypotenuse of the second right-angled triangular panel 48.

The first and second hinges B1, B2 are symmetric, or substantially symmetric, to one another and allow the first and second right-angled triangular panels 46, 48 to fold towards the intermediate triangular panel 54 in the stowed state and to unfold away from the intermediate triangular panel 54 in the deployed state.

Although not shown in the Figures, it should be appreciated that, in another example, the intermediate panel 54 may be split into a pair of intermediate triangular panels, for example to accommodate a joint, or seam, in the end wall or take the form of a trapezium shape.

To fold the bag 1 between the deployed state and the stowed state, the rows of hinged panels 30 a-d may be arranged into sets of hinged panels and, in this example, the bag 1 includes a first set of hinged panels 56 and a second set of hinged panels 58.

Each set of hinged panels 56, 58 is formed by a pair of corresponding rows of hinged panels 30 a-d that are adjacent to one another and hinged together, such as the first and second rows of hinged panels 30 a, 30 b.

By ‘corresponding rows of hinged panels 30 a-d’ it is intended to mean that the adjacent rows of hinged panels 30 a, 30 b are substantially symmetric to one another. In particular, the adjacent rows of hinged panels 30 a, 30 b may be symmetric to one another except for minor variations in the size of the panels 28 and the size of the gaps between the adjacent panels 28, such that, in the stowed state, each panel 28 on one row of hinged panels 30 a folds towards (and parallel to) a substantially matching panel 28 on the adjacent row of hinged panels 30 b.

The hinges between the rows of hinged panels 30 a-d in a particular set of hinged panels 56, 58 are arranged along the sides 4, 6 and ends 8, 10 of the bag 1 on a common plane and the adjacent rows may be substantially symmetric about the common plane.

In this manner, each set of hinged panels 56, 58 is therefore arranged such that, in the stowed state, the adjacent panels 28 fold together to substantially reduce the length, width and/or height of the bag 1, for example, for convenient storage in a handbag. Whereas, in the deployed state, the adjacent panels 28 in each set of hinged panels 56, 58 unfold to erect, or produce, the box-like shape shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

Embodiments of the invention may include one or more sets of hinged panels 56, 58 arranged in stacked layers to selectively fold or unfold the bag walls 2. In such embodiments, each set of hinged panels 56, 58 extends around the perimeter of the bag 1 and extends along at least a portion of the height of the bag 1. Adjacent sets of hinged panels, such as the first and second sets of hinged panels 56, 58 in this example, are hinged together to allow each set of hinged panels 56, 58 to fold and unfold independently of one another. Furthermore, in this example, the first and second sets of hinged panels 56, 58 are substantially identical to one another, but in other examples the size and numbers of panels 28 may vary from one set to another.

Considering the first set of hinged panels 56 in more detail, each of the rectangular panels 40 a-d in the first row of hinged panels 30 a is aligned with a corresponding rectangular panel 40 a-d on the second row of hinged panels 30 b. In FIGS. 1 to 4, the hinge, or line of hinges, between the first group of sidewall panels 32 in the first row of hinged panels 30 a and the first group of sidewall panels 32 in the second row of hinged panels 30 b is indicated by the line C1. The parallel hinge, or line of hinges, between the second group of sidewall panels 34 in the first row of hinged panels 30 a and the second group of sidewall panels 34 in the second row of hinged panels 30 b is indicated by the line C2.

The hinges C1 and C2 are configured to allow each of the first, second, third and fourth rectangular panels 40 a-d of the first row of hinged panels 30 a to fold against or away from the first, second, third and fourth rectangular panels 40 a-d of the second row of hinged panels 30 b.

As best shown in FIG. 2, the hinge, or line of hinges, between the first group of end wall panels 36 in the first row of hinged panels 30 a and the first group of end wall panels 36 in the second row of hinged panels 30 b is indicated by the line Dl. The parallel hinge, or line of hinges, between the second group of end wall panels 38 in the first row of hinged panels 30 a and the second group of end wall panels 38 in the second row of hinged panels 30 b is indicated by the line D2.

It should be appreciated that the hinges C1, C2, D1 and D2 are arranged on substantially the same plane, i.e. in each set of hinged panels, the hinges extend along the width and length of the bag 1, at substantially the same height.

The first group of end wall panels 36 on the first row of hinged panels 30 a correspond to the first group of end wall panels 36 on the second row of hinged panels 30 b. This correspondence means that the first group of end wall panels 36 on each of the first and second rows of hinged panels 30 a, 30 b may be substantially symmetric to one another about the hinge D1. In much the same fashion, the second group of end wall panels 38 on the first and second rows of hinged panels 30 a, 30 b correspond to one another and may be substantially symmetric to one another about the hinge D2.

In this manner, in the stowed state, each of the first and second right-angled triangular panels 46, 48 and the intermediate triangular panel 54 in the first row of hinged panels 30 a is arranged to fold about the respective hinges D1 and D2 towards a matching, or substantially matching, triangular panel 46, 48, 54 in the second row of hinged panels 30 b. At the same time, the first and second right-angled triangular panels 46, 48 in the first row of hinged panels 30 a are arranged to fold about the respective first and second hinges B1, B2 towards the intermediate triangular panel 54 in the first row of hinged panels 30 a and the first and second right-angled triangular panels 46, 48 in the second row of hinged panels 30 b are arranged to fold about the respective first and second hinges B1, B2 towards the intermediate triangular panel 54 in the second row of hinged panels 30 b.

Consequently, in the stowed state, each of the first and second right-angled triangular panels 46, 48 and the intermediate triangular panel 54 in the first row of hinged panels 30 a folds parallel to a substantially matching triangular panel 46, 48, 54 in the second row of hinged panels 30 b. This creates bi-folding arrangements between the right-angled triangular panels 46, 48 in the adjacent rows of hinged panels 30 a-d.

Now considering the base wall 18 in more detail, as best shown in FIG. 4, the base wall 18 includes a further group of hinged base panels 60. The hinged base panels 60 include a row of one or more rectangular base panels and may include a first, a second, a third and a fourth rectangular base panel 62 a-d, as shown in this example. In other examples, there may be more or less than four rectangular base panels arranged on the base wall 18.

Each rectangular base panel 62 a-d has a width defined by a first side 64 of the rectangular base panel 62 a-d and a length defined by a second side 66 of the rectangular base panel 62 a-d. The first side 64 extends along the width of the bag 1 in the deployed state and the second side 66 extends along the length of the bag 1 in the deployed state. In this example, each of the first, second, third and fourth rectangular base panels 62 a-d have the same width, but the lengths of the first, second, third and fourth rectangular base panels 62 a-d may differ to allow for different size gaps between the adjacent rectangular base panels 62 a-d.

Moreover, each rectangular base panel 62 a-d may be aligned, or substantially aligned, with a corresponding rectangular panel 40 a-d in the first and/or second group of sidewall panels 32, 34.

Each rectangular base panel 62 a-d is hinged to an adjacent rectangular base panel 62 a-d, allowing the adjacent rectangular base panels 62 a-d to fold towards one another or to unfold apart. Accordingly, the gaps between the adjacent rectangular base panels 62 a-d may differ to ensure that the adjacent rectangular base panels 62 a-d are able to fold parallel to one another in the stowed state.

Accordingly, in FIGS. 1 to 4, first, second and third hinges between the adjacent rectangular base panels 62 a-d are indicated by the lines E1, E2 and E3 respectively. It should be appreciated that the first second and third hinges E1, E2, E3 between the adjacent rectangular base panels 62 a-d are substantially aligned with the first, second, and third hinges A1, A2, A3 between the adjacent rectangular panels 40 a-d in the first and/or second group of sidewall panels 32, 34.

Consequently, in the stowed state: the sets of hinged panels 56, 58 fold together to collapse the first and second sidewalls 20, 22 and the first and second end walls 24, 26, reducing the height of the bag 1; thereafter, the rectangular base panels 62 a-d fold together to reduce the length of the bag 1. The operation of this folding mechanism shall become clear in a later portion of the description.

The strap 3 of the bag 1 is an elongate member extending from a first end 70 to a second end 72. The first and second ends 70, 72 of the strap 3 attach to opposing bag walls 2 and the strap 3 extends across the opening 16. The strap 3 serves a first purpose when the bag 1 is in the stowed state and a second purpose when the bag 1 is in the deployed state.

In particular, the strap 3 provides a handle that may be grasped by an individual to urge the bag 1 into the deployed state. Once deployed, the strap 3 may be conveniently looped over an individual's shoulder and the weight of the bag, and in particular the weight of the plurality of panels 28, weigh-down the base wall 18 and maintain the bag 1 in the deployed state.

In the stowed state, the strap 3 may be wrapped, or looped, around the folded bag 1 at least once and functionally provides means for securing the folded bag 1 in the stowed state. For this purpose, the strap 3 includes retaining means configured to retain the strap 3 in a wound, looped, or coiled, position once it has been wrapped around the folded bag 1, thereby securing the bag 1 in the stowed state.

In particular, the retaining means include a first retaining element 74 arranged in a first position 76 on the strap 3 and a complementary second retaining element 78 arranged in a second position 80 on the strap 3. The first and second retaining elements 74, 78 are spaced apart on the strap 3 and arranged such that, when the strap 3 is wrapped, or looped, around the folded bag 1, the first and second retaining elements 74, 78 meet and may be coupled, or otherwise engaged, to retain the bag 1 in the stowed state. Accordingly, the first and second positions 76, 80 may be separated by a length that corresponds to one or more loops around the folded bag 1.

In the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the first and second retaining elements 74, 78 take the form of first and second magnetic elements that are coupled together by magnetic attraction. Nonetheless, it should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, any other two-part latching mechanism known to the skilled person may be used in place of the first and second magnetic elements. For example, in other embodiments, first and second clasp elements may be arranged in the same manner as the first and second magnetic elements shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

An example of the strap 3 is illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 5. The first end 70 of the strap 3 attaches to the first end wall 24 and the second end 72 of the strap 3 attaches to the second end wall 26. In particular, the first and second ends 70, 72 of the strap 3 attach to the intermediate triangular panels 54 in the first row of hinged panels 30 a. However, it should be appreciated that the bag 1 may include multiple straps, such as a pair of straps, and that one or more straps may attach to the first and second sidewalls 20, 22 of the bag 1 instead. For example, one or more straps may attach to one or more rectangular panels 40 a-d in the first row of hinged panels 30 a.

In embodiments of the invention, at least one of the first and second ends 70, 72 of the strap 3 is attached to the bag 1 by a releasable coupling. For example, one end of the strap 3 may include a first coupling element and one or more of the bag walls 2 may include a complementary second coupling element. Each of the first and second complementary coupling elements may include one part of a clasp, buckle, latch or other releasable coupling known to the skilled person. In this manner, the strap 3 may be releasable at one end of the bag 1 to conveniently wrap, or loop, the free end of the strap 3 around the folded bag 1 and thereby secure the bag 1 in the stowed state.

Once the free end of the strap 3 is reattached to the bag 1, the strap 3 may be grasped to unfold the bag walls 2 and urge the bag 1 into the deployed state. Thereafter the strap may be used as a carry handle for the shoulder, hand or wrist.

In the following Figures, the mechanism for folding the bag from the deployed state (unfolded), shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, to the stowed (folded) state, shown in FIGS. 21 to 24, is described in more detail.

To avoid obscuring the invention, the following description only relates to the first group of sidewall panels 32 and the first group of end wall panels 36 on each row of hinged panels 30 a-d, but it shall be appreciated that the second group of sidewall panels 34 and the second group of end wall panels 38 on each row of hinged panels 30 a-d fold in a substantially similar mechanism.

Starting from the deployed state shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, if the strap 3 is released, or otherwise urged towards the base wall 18, the first and second sets of hinged panels 56, 58 will start to fold together under the weight of the panels 28.

In each set of hinged panels 56, 58, the rectangular panels 40 a-d in one row of hinged panels 30 a will fold about the hinge C1 towards the corresponding rectangular panels 40 a-d in the adjacent row of hinged panels 30 b.

At the same time, the first and second right-angled triangular panels 46, 48 and the intermediate triangular panel 54 on one row of hinged panels 30 a, fold about the hinge D1 towards the corresponding panels, 46, 48 and 54 on the adjacent row of hinged panels 30 b. Simultaneously, the first and second right-angled triangular panels 46, 48, on each row of hinged panels 30 a-d, fold about the respective first and second hinges B1, B2 towards the intermediate triangular panel 54 on said row of hinged panels 30 a-d.

FIGS. 6 to 8 show views of the bag 1 in a first intermediate state taken from: the first end; the first side; and a plan view respectively.

In FIGS. 6 and 8, it is evident that, as the adjacent rows of hinged panels 30 a-d fold together, the rectangular panels 40 a, 40 d at the ends of each row of hinged panels 30 a-d may fold against the adjacent right-angled triangular panels 46, 48. Advantageously, this can ensure that the length of the bag 1 does not increase as the bag 1 is folded from the deployed state to the stowed state.

FIGS. 9 to 11 show views of the bag 1 in a second intermediate state taken from: a perspective view; the first side; the first end; and a plan view respectively.

In the second intermediate state, the first and second sets of hinged panels 56, 58 have been folded substantially flat and against each other. Each panel 28 in one row of hinged panels 30 a-d is parallel to a corresponding panel 28 in the adjacent row of hinged panels 30 a-d. Furthermore, the first and second ends 70, 72 of the strap 3, which are attached to the intermediate triangular panels 54 on the first row of hinged panels 30 a, extend substantially parallel to the base wall 18.

FIGS. 13 to 16 show views of the bag 1 in a third intermediate state taken from: a perspective view; the first side; the first end; and a plan view respectively.

In the third intermediate state, the first and second ends 8, 10 of the bag 1 are brought together by folding the bag 1 along the hinges A1, A2, A3 between the adjacent rectangular panels 40 a-d and the hinges E1, E2, E3 between the adjacent rectangular base panels 62 a-d. In this manner, the adjacent rectangular panels 40 a-d on each row of hinged panels 30 a-d and the adjacent rectangular base panels 62 a-d on the base wall 18 are folded together in a concertina manner that reduces the length of the bag 1.

It should be appreciated that, the gaps between the rectangular panels 40 a-d alternate between being relatively small and relatively large to ensure that the adjacent panels 40 a-d are able to fold parallel to one another in the stowed state.

In particular, on the uppermost row of hinged panels 30 a: i) the gap is relatively small along the hinge line A1 between the first and second rectangular panels 40 a, 40 b; ii) the gap is relatively large along the hinge line A2 between the second and third rectangular panels 40 b, 40 c; and iii) the gap is relatively small along the hinge line A3 between the third and fourth rectangular panels 40 c, 40 d.

The pattern of alternating gaps is reversed at the lowermost row of hinged panels 30 d such that: i) the gap is relatively large along the hinge line A1 between the first and second rectangular panels 40 a, 40 b; ii) the gap is relatively small along the hinge line A2 between the second and third rectangular panels 40 b, 40 c; and iii) the gap is relatively large along the hinge line A3 between the third and fourth rectangular panels 40 c, 40 d.

FIGS. 17 to 20 show views of the bag 1 in an unsecure, but stowed state, taken from: the first side; a perspective view; the first end; and a plan view respectively.

In this state, the adjacent rectangular panels 40 a-d are folded together and parallel to one another, as are the adjacent rectangular base panels 62 a-d and the first and second ends 8, 10 of the bag 1. As a result, the length of the bag 1 has been significantly reduced such that the bag 1 may resemble a purse. The first and second ends 70, 72 of the strap 3 extend upwards, in parallel, and in close proximity to one another in this state.

FIGS. 21 to 24 show views of the bag 1 in the stowed state with the strap 3 wrapped, or looped, around the folded bag 1 to secure the bag 1 in the stowed state. FIGS. 21 to 24 are taken from: the first side; a perspective view; the first end; and a plan view respectively.

As illustrated, the strap 3 wraps, or loops, around the folded bag 1 at least once and the first and second retaining elements 74, 78 meet, coupling together to prevent the bag 1 from unfolding.

To unfold the bag 1 from the stowed state to the deployed state, the first and second retaining elements 74, 78 are pulled apart, then the strap 3 is unwound and may be grasped to unfold the panels 28 and erect the box-like shape in a mechanism that proceeds in reverse to the mechanism described above.

FIGS. 25 to 28 show another example of a foldable bag 101 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The bag 101 may be substantially identical to the bag 1 described in the previous examples, shown in FIGS. 1 to 24, and may include a plurality of panels 28 arranged on the bag walls 2, substantially as described previously.

However, in this example, the bag 101 is configured to form a pocket, or cavity, between the folded bag walls 2, as the bag 101 folds into the stowed state. For example, the pocket may be a U-shaped channel of space arranged between the folded bag walls 2, with the bag 101 in the stowed state.

The U-shaped channel of the pocket may have an opening that is suitable for receiving certain items commonly found in a handbag. For example, the pocket may be suitable for storing common personal effects, such as a mobile phone, a purse, or a wallet, whilst the bag 101 is in the stowed state.

By way of example, FIG. 25 shows a view of the bag 101 depicted from the first end. In this illustration, the surfaces of the bag 101 are shown as being transparent to demonstrate how an object 105, such as a mobile phone, may be retained inside a pocket formed between the folded bag walls 2 in the stowed state.

To add further clarity, FIG. 26 shows a view of the bag 101 depicted from the first side, with the bag 101 arranged in the third intermediate state (described previously) between the stowed and deployed states. In this intermediate state, the first and second ends 8, 10 of the bag 101 are partially urged together to fold the bag 101 towards the stowed state.

It is evident from FIGS. 25 and 26 that, as the bag 101 continues to fold from the third intermediate state, shown in FIG. 26, to the stowed state, shown in FIG. 25, the bag 101 is configured to fold around the object 105 and to form the pocket of space between the folded bag walls 2.

More specifically, in this example, the bag 101 is configured to form the pocket between the second and third rectangular base wall panels 62 b, 62 c of the bag 101, as they fold together in the stowed state.

In other examples, suitable pockets may be formed at any other fold line. For example, pockets may be formed between the first and second rectangular side wall panels 40 a, 40 b, and/or between the third and fourth rectangular side wall panels 40 c, 40 d, as the first and second ends 8, 10 of the bag 101 are urged together.

Once in the stowed state, shown in FIG. 25, the strap 3 loops around the bag 101 to secure the bag 101, as described previously. Once looped around the bag 101, the strap 3 acts to retain the object 105 in the pocket. For example, looping the strap 3 around the bag 101 may urge the folded bag walls 2 together and effectively clamp the object 105 therebetween, substantially inhibiting movement of the object 105 within the pocket. The strap 3 may also act as a retaining brace that inhibits the object 105 from sliding out of the pocket opening. It shall be appreciated that, in this example, the length of the strap 3 may be adjustable so as to selectively adjust the size of the pocket, in the stowed state.

Those details of the bag 101 that are included to form the pocket shall now be considered in more detail. It shall be appreciated that the bag 101 differs from the bag 1, described in the previous examples, in that one or more of the gaps between adjacent pairs of the panels 28 are sized so as to be larger than is necessary for such panels 28 to fold together.

Consequently, when the bag 101 is folded into the stowed state, and those adjacent panels 28 fold together, the excess material in the gap spaces those adjacent panels 28 further apart to form the pocket between the folded bag walls 2.

By way of example, FIG. 27 shows a view of the bag 101 from the first side 10, with the bag 101 configured in the deployed state.

As shown in this example, the gaps between the second and third rectangular panels 40 b, 40 c of each row of hinged panels 30 a-d are enlarged, compared to the bag 1 in the previous examples, shown in FIGS. 1 to 24.

As mentioned previously, in relation to the bag 1 (described in FIGS. 1 to 24), the size of the gaps between the second and third rectangular panels 40 b, 40 c of each row of hinged panels 30 a-d may be determined based, at least in part, on the total thickness of the bag walls 2 and the panels 28 arranged at the fold between those panels 40 b, 40 c.

However, in this example, it shall be appreciated that the size of those gaps may be determined based on a desired span of the pocket, such as a width of the pocket opening, in addition to the total thickness of the bag walls 2 and the panels 28 arranged at the fold.

It shall be appreciated that the desired span of that pocket may correspond to a size that is suitable for storing common personal effects, such as a mobile phone.

Hence, the gap between the second and third rectangular panels 40 b, 40 c of each row of hinged panels 30 a-d may be at least 15 mm, and preferably at least 30 mm, for example.

In other respects, the arrangement of panels 28 on the sidewalls 20, 22 of the bag 101 may be substantially as described in the previous examples. For example, the gaps between the second and third rectangular panels 40 b, 40 c may increase, or decrease, in successive rows of hinged panels 30 a-d to account for the layering of the bag walls 2 at the fold lines (when the bag 101 is folded into the stowed state).

FIG. 28 shows a view of the underside of the bag 101, with the bag 101 configured in the deployed state. As shown, in order to form the pocket in the stowed state, it may be necessary for the gap between a corresponding pair of the rectangular base wall panels 62 a-d to be enlarged in substantially the same manner as the rectangular sidewall panels 40 a-d.

For example, the gap between the second and third rectangular base panels 62 b, 62 c may be enlarged, as shown in FIG. 28, relative to the gap between the second and third rectangular base panels 62 b, 62 c in the previous example (shown in FIG. 12 for example), in order to form the pocket in the stowed state.

Hence, in this example, the gap between the second and third rectangular base panels 62 b, 62 c may be at least 10 mm, and preferably at least 20 mm. The size of this gap may correspond to the gap between the second and third rectangular sidewall panels 40 b, 40 c and may be determined by the thickness of personal effects which may be stored within the pocket, such as a mobile phone.

It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application. 

1. A bag foldable between a deployed state and a stowed state, the bag comprising: a plurality of flexible bag walls; and a plurality of panels arranged on the plurality of bag walls; wherein each of the plurality of panels is rigid relative to the bag walls such that adjacent ones of the plurality of panels are hinged together by hinge portions of the bag walls; wherein the plurality of panels are arranged on the bag walls so as to define one or more sets of hinged panels, each set of hinged panels including at least a first row of hinged panels and a second row of hinged panels, and wherein the panels on the first row of hinged panels correspond to the panels on the second row of hinged panels, and the first and second rows of hinged panels are hinged together by hinge portions of the bag walls so that: in the stowed state, corresponding ones of the panels on the first and second rows of hinged panels fold together and, in the deployed state, the corresponding panels on the first and second rows of hinged panels unfold apart.
 2. A bag according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of flexible bag walls includes a base wall; a first sidewall; a second sidewall; a first end wall; and a second end wall.
 3. A bag according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of panels includes one or more base wall panels arranged on the base wall and, in the stowed state, adjacent ones of the base wall panels fold towards one another to reduce a length of the bag.
 4. A bag according to claim 3, wherein the one or more base wall panels includes a group of rectangular base wall panels arranged in series on the base wall, the rectangular base wall panels being hinged together by hinge portions of the base wall, wherein the hinged portions of the base wall are disposed in respective gaps between the adjacent rectangular base wall panels.
 5. A bag according to claim 4, wherein the gaps between the adjacent rectangular base wall panels are large enough to ensure that the adjacent rectangular base wall panels are able to fold parallel to one another in the stowed state.
 6. A bag according to claim 5, wherein successive ones of the gaps between the adjacent rectangular base wall panels alternate between being relatively small and relatively large to ensure that the adjacent rectangular base wall panels are able to fold parallel to one another in the stowed state.
 7. A bag according to claim 2, wherein each of the first and second rows of hinged panels includes: first and second groups of sidewall panels, each group of sidewall panels being arranged on one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall of the bag, wherein each group of sidewall panels includes one or more rectangular panels; and first and second groups of end wall panels, each group of end wall panels being arranged on one of the first end wall and the second end wall of the bag, each group of end wall panels including first and second right-angled triangular panels, wherein the first right-angled triangular panel is arranged with one leg adjacent to the first sidewall and the second right-angled triangular panel is arranged with one leg adjacent to the second sidewall.
 8. A bag according to claim 7, wherein each group of sidewall panels includes a plurality of rectangular panels and adjacent ones of the plurality of rectangular panels are hinged together by hinge portions of the sidewalls, the hinge portions of the sidewalls being disposed in gaps between the adjacent rectangular panels.
 9. (canceled)
 10. (canceled)
 11. A bag according to claim 7, wherein the gaps between the adjacent rectangular panels are configured to enable the adjacent rectangular panels in each group of sidewall panels to fold together and parallel to one another in the folded state, wherein successive ones of the gaps between the adjacent rectangular panels in each group of sidewall panels alternate between being relatively small and relatively large to ensure that the adjacent rectangular panels are able to fold parallel to one another in the stowed state, wherein successive ones of the gaps between the adjacent rectangular panels in the second row of hinged panels alternate between being relatively small and relatively large compared to the corresponding gaps between the adjacent rectangular panels in the first row of hinged panels so that, in the stowed state, the gaps between the adjacent rectangular panels on each row of hinged panels account for the thickness of material between those adjacent rectangular panels once folded together.
 12. A bag according to claim 7, wherein each group of sidewall panels includes a plurality of rectangular panels and adjacent ones of the plurality of rectangular panels are hinged together by hinge portions of the sidewalls, the hinge portions of the sidewalls being disposed in gaps between the adjacent rectangular panels wherein each group of end wall panels further includes an intermediate triangular panel, wherein the first right-angled triangular panel is hinged to the intermediate triangular panel along the hypotenuse of the first right-angled triangular panel and the second right-angled triangular panel is hinged to the intermediate triangular panel along the hypotenuse of the second right-angled triangular panel so that, in the stowed state, the first and second right-angled triangular panels fold towards the intermediate triangular panel.
 13. A bag according to claim 12, wherein the first and second right-angled triangular panels are hinged to the intermediate triangular panel by respective hinged portion of the end wall disposed in respective gaps between the first right-angled triangular panel, the intermediate triangular panel, and the second right-angled triangular panel, and wherein the gaps between the first right-angled triangular panel, the intermediate triangular panel and the second right-angled triangular panel are large enough to ensure that the first and second right-angled triangular panels are able to fold parallel to the intermediate triangular panel in the stowed state.
 14. A bag according to claim 13, wherein each group of sidewall panels includes a plurality of rectangular panels and adjacent ones of the plurality of rectangular panels are hinged together by hinge portions of the sidewalls, the hinge portions of the sidewalls being disposed in gaps between the adjacent rectangular panels, wherein the gap between the first right-angled triangular panel and the intermediate triangular panel, and/or the gap between the second right-angled triangular panel and the intermediate triangular panel, is twice the length of one of the gaps between the adjacent rectangular panels in the group of sidewall panels.
 15. A bag according to claim 1, wherein, in the stowed state, an adjacent pair of the plurality of panels fold together to form a pocket therebetween for retaining personal effects, optionally, wherein the personal effects are selected from a phone, a wallet or a purse.
 16. A bag according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of flexible bag walls includes a base wall; a first sidewall; a second sidewall; a first end wall; and a second end wall, wherein the plurality of panels includes one or more base wall panels arranged on the base wall and, in the stowed state, adjacent ones of the base wall panels fold towards one another to reduce a length of the bag, wherein the one or more base wall panels includes a group of rectangular base wall panels arranged in series on the base wall, the rectangular base wall panels being hinged together by hinge portions of the base wall, wherein the hinged portions of the base wall are disposed in respective gaps between the adjacent rectangular base wall panels, wherein the size of the gap between one or more of the adjacent rectangular panels in each group of sidewall panels, and/or the size of the gap between one or more of the adjacent rectangular base wall panels, is configured to form the pocket between those adjacent panels when the bag is folded into the stowed state.
 17. A bag according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels are weighted and configured to bias the bag towards the stowed state.
 18. A bag according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels are: attached to the bag walls; or integrally formed with the bag walls, and, optionally, the plurality of panels being formed by relatively thick regions of the bag walls.
 19. A bag according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels are arranged on the bag walls so as to define a plurality of sets of hinged panels, wherein the plurality of sets of hinged panels are arranged in rows on the bag, and wherein adjacent sets of hinged panels are hinged together.
 20. An elongate strap for a bag foldable between a deployed state and a stowed state, the strap comprising: a first retaining element; and a complementary second retaining element; wherein the first retaining element is coupleable to the second retaining element; wherein the first and second retaining elements are separated by a length of the strap corresponding to one or more loops of the strap around the bag in the stowed state; and wherein the strap is configured to secure the bag in the stowed state by looping the strap around the bag, one or more times, and coupling the first and second retaining elements together.
 21. A strap according to claim 20, wherein the strap is configured to form a carry handle of the bag when the bag is in the deployed state.
 22. A bag according to claim 1, comprising a strap, the strap including: a first retaining element; and a complementary second retaining element; wherein the first retaining element is coupleable to the second retaining element; wherein the first and second retaining elements are separated by a length of the strap corresponding to one or more loops of the strap around the bag in the stowed state; and wherein the strap is configured to secure the bag in the stowed state by looping the strap around the bag, one or more times, and coupling the first and second retaining elements together. 